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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

State Fair Diary: Ribbons and Wrap Up Part 1

This year as we wrap up the
Minnesota State Fair I am going to refrain from passing along my profound thoughts and feelings, although as always the experience was mysterious and wonderful. However, I will attempt to impart a small bit of State Fair wisdom upon you.

First, I can tell you that there are some pigs on a farm
outside of The Cities enjoying State Fair treats not available to the paying public, as all those edible entries that did not win a
ribbon or a place in the display are fed to a sounder of happy swine.

Second, I can tell
you that you should never attempt to use generic ingredients in a
recipe that will be judged. Generic powdered sugar? Never again. This year my kitchen hosted a string of catastrophes bound for The Fair, and those entries that rose above the misery suffered from Dance Ten Looks Three. But even when your State Fair baked goods or honey items do not win blue ribbons, having them displayed in a case is pretty neat (and I won't turn down my single third place award). Having a friend win a red ribbon and viewing her cool State Fair Play Tent displayed in the main case is pretty neat also.